perch rods

[Buc-Eye]

On calmer days in less than 25 foot of water I use a 4’6” St Croix ultra-light with 4lb mono. I have my drag set light because like Wakina alluded to, a big sheephead will ruin the moment during a good bite. I have heard nothing but good about using braided but I have a ton of the 4lb mono and haven’t had of a reason to change. On rougher days or in water deeper than 25 foot especially in your 40’ plus depth ranges (Lucy’s Point, Or just SW of the red can at Gull) I use a 6 foot UL Fenwick Venture with the same 4lb mono. The longer rod provides more backbone for those deep water hookups.

I have tried many of the different perch rigs over the years but my favorite is the long wire rig with no bling that has the three branching arms that you attach your hooks of choice to. ½ ounce flat weight on calm days, ¾ - 1 oz on rough days.

It’s all a matter of personal preference.

[B can man]

braid, Braid, BRAID!

In my opinion, you gain the most sensitivity from going to braided line. That said, I wasn't happy with any rig I tried (4+) til I went to my old "bass rod", which is a light action Berkley. I have 8lb spiderwire on it and it's like having eyes under the water.

The one thing that surprises me is to read guys saying "watch the tip". I do watch the tip, but I would say almost 100% of my perch catches have come from sitting my finger ever-so-lightly on the spiderwire just above the reel and then feeling either the "bump" or more commonly "something just don't feel right", hookset and FISH ON!

Dad, who just started perching last year with me, is still having a hell of a time feeling the perch. He is running a light action (I believe Shakspear) with probably around 8lb mono. I have tried the subtle hints of "hey, you might like this spiderwire", but he hasn't gotten frustrated enough to switch. If I can convince him of it this year, I think he will be overjoyed with the difference.

Oh and I think I forgot to mention... You might want to use braided line

Edit: Forgot to say that plenty of limits came off of plain spreaders with no bling. Up and down, in the mud, during a reel-in, it always varies, but once you find the trick for that day/spot, FISH ON! I did seem to have better catch rates last year using gold colored hooks, but it was late in the year and I intend on trying out that theory more this year. I think I'm goint to try your guys single hook rig with flat sinker this year when I take the kids out perching. Good Luck!